Tag: #HighProtein

Cooking with Chris: Easy Rotisserie Chicken Stir-Fry

Lisa Kidd

One of my favorite things about this new Cooking with Chris series is showing just how simple home cooking can be.

In this episode, Chris and I turned leftover rotisserie chicken into a quick stir-fry dinner packed with colorful vegetables and protein. This is one of those easy meals that feels wholesome, tastes amazing, and helps make the most of what you already have.

The combination of bell peppers, broccoli, frozen mixed vegetables, and tender chicken makes this recipe super versatile. The homemade stir-fry sauce adds just the right balance of savory, sweet, and a little warmth from the ginger.

For the bariatric lifestyle, this recipe works beautifully because you can:

  • focus on the chicken first for protein
  • load up on the veggies
  • serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
  • use it for meal prep leftovers

It’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and beginner-friendly—which made it the perfect recipe for Chris to learn.

I hope this inspires you to turn simple ingredients into something delicious for your family too.

Easy Spaghetti Squash Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Lisa Kidd

High-Protein | Low-Carb | Bariatric-Friendly

If you’re missing creamy Alfredo pasta but trying to stay on track with your bariatric lifestyle, this recipe is going to make you so happy.

This Spaghetti Squash Chicken Broccoli Alfredo gives you all the creamy, cheesy comfort — without the heavy carbs from traditional pasta. And the best part? It’s easy. No homemade sauce required.

As someone living the bariatric lifestyle, I love recipes that:

  • Prioritize protein
  • Keep carbs lower
  • Use convenient ingredients
  • Fit real life

This recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 jar Alfredo sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 bag frozen broccoli florets
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place face down on a baking sheet and bake for 30–40 minutes.
  5. While squash is baking, heat jarred Alfredo sauce in a saucepan.
  6. Stir in shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
  7. Microwave broccoli according to package directions and stir into sauce.
  8. Once squash is tender, shred the inside with a fork.
  9. Mix spaghetti squash strands into the Alfredo mixture until well coated.
  10. Spoon mixture back into squash shells.
  11. Top with shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  12. Return to oven and bake until bubbly and golden.

Why This Works for Bariatric Living

  • Spaghetti squash replaces traditional pasta
  • Rotisserie chicken makes hitting protein goals easier
  • Broccoli adds fiber and volume
  • Portion-controlled “boats” help prevent overeating

This is comfort food made smarter — and easier.

If you try it, let me know! And if you’re on this journey too, you are NOT alone. ❤️

Refreshing Sugar-Free Protein Drink Hack

Lisa Kidd

If you’re tired of drinking plain protein shakes, this simple protein drink hack is about to become your new favorite. It’s light, refreshing, sugar-free, and completely customizable — perfect for bariatric life or anyone focused on high-protein, low-carb living.

One of the biggest challenges after surgery (or during weight loss) is finding ways to enjoy protein without getting bored. This drink feels more like a fun, flavored refresher than a traditional protein shake — and it’s incredibly easy to make.

🥤 Protein Drink Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 sugar-free drink packets (any flavors you love)
  • A small amount of water
  • Ice
  • 1–2 splashes of sugar-free syrup (optional)
  • 1 ready-to-drink protein shake

Directions:

  1. Add the drink packets to a cup with a small amount of water and stir until fully dissolved.
  2. Fill the cup with ice.
  3. Add a splash or two of sugar-free syrup if desired.
  4. Pour in your protein shake.
  5. Stir well and enjoy!

Flavor Combo I Used

  • Welch’s Cherry Pomegranate
  • Sonic Ocean Water

This combo is fruity, refreshing, and perfect for warmer days — but the possibilities are endless.

💡 Why This Works for Bariatric Life

  • Helps increase protein intake
  • Encourages hydration
  • Sugar-free and low-carb
  • Easy on the stomach
  • Totally customizable

If you try this protein drink, let me know your favorite flavor combo! And be sure to follow Bariatric Living for more protein-forward recipes and tips that make this lifestyle easier — and more enjoyable.

Bariatric-Friendly Finds at Buc-ee’s: Protein-Packed Road Trip Snacks & a Sweet Surprise!

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve ever been on a long road trip, you know how tough it can be to find healthy, protein-forward options at gas stations. But on my recent vacation, I stopped at the legendary Buc-ee’s, and wow — it completely changed how I look at road trip food stops!

When I walked in, I was instantly blown away by the size and variety of this place. It’s not your average convenience store — it’s more like a highway superstore filled with snacks, fresh food, and fun finds.

I started by checking out their White Cheddar Nug-ee’s, which are a crunchy, flavorful treat if you want something light. Then I discovered the massive coffee and tea station — perfect if you bring your protein shake or powder along to make a quick protein coffee!

To my surprise, Buc-ee’s also had yogurt parfaits, salads, and fruit cups — all fresh and easy to grab for a healthier meal on the go. And of course, no visit would be complete without exploring their World-Famous Wall of Jerky. There are so many high-protein options to choose from, including freshly made jerky in their deli display case.

And yes… I did treat myself to their famous Banana Pudding — and it was absolutely worth it!

Whether you’re traveling post-bariatric surgery or just looking for smarter road trip choices, Buc-ee’s has more to offer than you might expect. So next time you see one on the highway, stop in and explore — you’ll be surprised how easy it is to stay on track and still enjoy the journey!